Behind The Blog: Elyse Castillo of Philly Food Tours Blog

Name:Elyse CastilloAge:twenty-somethingLocation:ManayunkBlog Name:Philly Food Tours BlogBlog URL:http://www.phillyfoodtours.com/blogBlog Focus:Philadelphia’s best foods & their history.Launch Date:2011Why did you start blogging?I started blogging as another way to share my love of Philadelphia’s food & culinary scene.What do you like best about blogging?Being able to connect with other foodies in Philly.What platform do you use?WordPressHow do you promote your blog?Social Media & Email Notification Lists.Do you write all of the blog posts yourself?Yes.What are your favorite/most popular blog posts?

What is your favorite “foodie” or food blogging experience so far?I think speaking with Michelle MacDonald at Sweet Note Bakery. She is so driven and inspiring, and has a true passion for her craft.What are your favorite cuisines/meals/recipes? Japanese, Thai, Mexican, & SzechuanWhat are your favorite Philly area restaurants?Fork, Le Bec Fin, Vedge for restaurants. For bakeries, Marchiano’s Bakery, The Night Kitchen Bakery, Sweet Freedom Bakery.Who are your favorite Philly area chefs or food business personalities?Tim Spinner, Moon Krapugthong, Greg VernickHow often do you go out to eat at Philly area restaurants?2-3 times per weekHow often do you cook at home?EverydayWhat are your favorite stores/shops/markets to shop for food products?A Taste of Oil & Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop in Chestnut Hill are two of my favorites. A Taste of Oil is so careful to choose only the best oils, as well as sea salts and balsamics. Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop has cheeses that cannot be found anywhere else in Philly, and their team are true experts.Tell us a few things you think our readers would find interesting about the local food scene.One of my favorite hidden gems in Philly is Sorrentino’s Deli in Manayunk. It’s 3rd generation owned, in a shop that was a butcher back in 1907. They’ve retained some of the original interior, such as the butcher hooks behind the counter, and have photographs in the seating area of how the location looked in the early 1900s, featuring men and women saddling their horses outside the location. Their rolls are from Conshohocken Bakery and complete their killer cheesesteaks perfectly, and Sorrentino family members are always at the flat grill making sure every order comes out right.Tell us more about yourself.I’m the founder of Chew Philly Food Tours, and we offer tours of Manayunk, Chestnut Hill, and Haunted Food Tours as well. I live in Manayunk and sincerely love the neighborhood and it’s small businesses, and love showing it off to tour participants.What other food blogs do you follow?Philly Food Girl, Philadelphia Foodie.Twitter URL:http://www.twitter.com/chewphillyFacebook URL:http://www.facebook.com/chewphillyInstagram URL:http://www.instagram.com/chewphillyYelp:http://www.yelp.com/biz/chew-philly-food-tours-philadelphia

Thanks Elyse! We’ll have to come up to Manayunk for a food tour sometime.